Couplage de mesures sur site et de méthodes géostatistiques : mise en oeuvre " en temps réel " à l'aide d'un FPXRF Projet REPERAGE

National audienceLa caractérisation des sites pollués effectuée à l'aide de prélèvements de sol et d'analyses de laboratoire est une étape longue et coûteuse. De telles pratiques incitent à limiter le nombre de points de mesure et ne permettent pas facilement, dans une même campagne, d'utiliser les premiers résultats d'analyse pour ajuster la localisation de nouveaux points d'échantillonnage. Depuis plusieurs années sont apparus sur le marché de nouveaux appareils portatifs permettant d'analyser sur le terrain la teneur en polluants dans les sols en un temps très court. Parmi ceux-ci les spectromètres portables à fluorescence de rayons X (FPXRF) sont de plus en plus utilisés pour analyser les métaux. Dans le même temps, des approches géostatistiques adaptées aux particularités des sites et sols pollués ont été développées en Europe et sont de plus en plus utilisées pour cartographier les sols en fonction de seuils réglementaires ou estimer des quantités de matériaux contaminés, tout en en quantifiant les incertitudes locales ou globales associées. Le couplage des deux outils, mesures sur site et méthodes géostatistiques, permet d'envisager des campagnes de reconnaissance optimisées où le nombre et la localisation de nouveaux points de mesure sont déterminés au fur et à mesure de l'acquisition des données dans l'objectif de réduire l'incertitude affectant la modélisation de la contamination. Le projet de recherche REPERAGE vise à concevoir une démarche associant mesures sur site et traitement géostatistique pour conduire de façon rationnelle des campagnes de reconnaissance par rapport à des scénarios et des objectifs classiques de gestion de sites contaminés (par ex. classification des sols par rapport à des seuils, estimation de tonnages, estimation de coûts de dépollution). Le travail réalisé inclut le développement théorique de la démarche et d'un code permettant de la mettre en oeuvre, la validation de la démarche à partir des données d'un site réel bien renseigné, les environs de l'ancienne usine MétalEurop (Nord de la France), et sa mise en oeuvre " en temps réel " sur le site d'une ancienne usine sidérurgique (Henricot II, Belgique). La communication aura pour objet de présenter les principaux résultats obtenus dans le cadre de ce projet

Les chargés de TD/TP ont-ils tous les mêmes inquiétudes avant leurs premières interventions face aux étudiants ?

Cet article s’intéresse aux inquiétudes d’enseignants universitaires débutants avant leurs premiers cours, en tenant compte de leurs conceptions de l’apprentissage et de l’enseignement. Il s’appuie sur une étude empirique réalisée auprès de jeunes chargés de TD/TP de l’université de Bourgogne. Celle-ci montre que la quasi-totalité des jeunes enseignants ont des inquiétudes concernant la préparation de leurs interventions devant les étudiants. Certaines préoccupations sont largement partagées par tous. D’autres inquiétudes sont liées aux représentations des jeunes enseignants. L’inquiétude relative à l’organisation de la participation des étudiants apparaît avant tout une préoccupation de ceux ayant les conceptions plus centrées sur l’apprenant.This paper focuses on worries of beginners’ academics in relation with their conceptions on teaching and leaning. It’s based on empirical studies contracted in university of Burgundy. Some of these worries are common to all, and some are dependent from conceptions. Worries related to organised student participation are found more frequently in instructors who have a student centred representation of teaching and learnin

Les chargés de TD/TP ont-ils tous les mêmes inquiétudes avant leurs premières interventions face aux étudiants ?

International audienceCet article s'intéresse aux inquiétudes d'enseignants universitaires débutants avant leurs premiers cours, en tenant compte de leurs conceptions de l'apprentissage et de l'enseignement. Il s'appuie sur une étude empirique réalisée auprès de jeunes chargés de TD/TP de l'université de Bourgogne. Celle-ci montre que la quasi-totalité des jeunes enseignants ont des inquiétudes concernant la préparation de leurs interventions devant les étudiants. Certaines préoccupations sont largement partagées par tous. D'autres inquiétudes sont liées aux représentations des jeunes enseignants. L'inquiétude relative à l'organisation de la participation des étudiants apparaît avant tout une préoccupation de ceux ayant les conceptions plus centrées sur l'apprenant

Physical training and hypertension have opposite effects on endothelial brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression

Aims Changes in circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were reported in patients with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction, suggesting a link between BDNF and endothelial functionality. However, little is known on cardiovascular BDNF. Our aim was to investigate levels/localization, function, and relevance of cardiovascular BDNF. Methods and results BDNF levels (western blotting) and localization (immunostaining) were assessed in the heart and aorta from rats with impaired (spontaneously hypertensive rats [SHR]), normal (Wistar Kyoto rats [WKY]), and improved (SHR and WKY subjected to physical training) endothelial function. BDNF levels were also measured in cultured endothelial cells (CECs) subjected to low and high shear stress. The cardiovascular effects of BDNF were investigated in isolated aortic rings and hearts. The results showed high BDNF levels in the heart and aorta, the expression being prominent in endothelial cells as compared with other cell types. Exogenous BDNF vasodilated aortic rings but changed neither coronary flow nor cardiac contractility. Hypertension was associated with decreased expression of BDNF in the endothelium, whereas physical training led to endothelial BDNF up-regulation not only in WKY but also in SHR. Exposure of CECs to high shear stress stimulated BDNF production and secretion. Conclusion Cardiovascular BDNF is mainly localized within endothelial cells in which its expression is dependent on endothelial function. These results open new perspectives on the role of endothelial BDNF in cardiovascular healt

Cardiovascular effects of arginase inhibition in spontaneously hypertensive rats with fully developed hypertension

Aims Growing evidence suggests that arginase misregulation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the potential cardiovascular therapeutic effects of a long-term treatment with an arginase inhibitor in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with fully developed hypertension. Methods and results Treatment of 25-week-old SHR with the arginase inhibitor Nω-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA, 40 mg/day for 10 weeks) sustainably reduced systolic blood pressure (−30 mmHg, P < 0.05). The antihypertensive effect of nor-NOHA was associated with changes on mesenteric artery reactivity including the restoration of angiotensin-II-induced contraction and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation to the values of normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. Both nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-dependent mechanisms account for the improvement of endothelial function afforded by the arginase inhibitor, which in addition blunted hypertension-induced endothelial arginase I overexpression in mesenteric arteries. Nor-NOHA also prevented the remodelling of aorta as measured by collagen content and media/lumen ratio, and improved the compliance of carotid artery in SHR. Cardiac fibrosis assessed by collagen content of left heart ventricle was reduced by nor-NOHA, with no significant effect on cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusion Our results report that a long-term treatment with an arginase inhibitor reduced blood pressure, improved vascular function, and reduced cardiac fibrosis in SHR with fully developed hypertension. These data suggest that arginase represents a promising novel target for pharmacological intervention in essential hypertensio

The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form and mortality in nursing home residents — Results from the INCUR study

**Objectives** To examine whether the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score and its individual items are predictors of mortality in a nursing home population. **Design** Prospective, secondary analysis from the Incidence of pNeumonia and related ConseqUences in nursing home Residents (INCUR) study with 1-year follow-up. **Participants** A total of 773 older persons (women 74.4%) living in 13 French nursing homes. **Measurements** At baseline, nutritional status was assessed with the MNA-SF. Overall mortality rate was measured over a 12-month follow-up period after the baseline assessment visit. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to test the predictive capacity of the MNA-SF score and its single components for mortality. **Results** Mean age of participants was 86.2 (standard deviation, SD 7.5) years. Mean MNA-SF score was 9.8 (SD 2.4). Among participants, 198 (25.6%) presented a normal nutritional status (12–14 points), 454 (58.7%) were at risk of malnutrition (8–11 points), and 121 (15.7%) were malnourished. After one year of follow-up, 135 (17.5%) participants had died. Age, female gender, baseline weight, BMI and MNA-SF were significant predictors of mortality whereas no specific chronic disease was. The total MNA-SF score was a significant predictor of mortality (Hazard Ratio=0.83; 95% CI 0.75–0.91; p<0.001), even after adjustment for potential confounders. Four individual items: weight loss, decrease in food intake, recent stress and BMI were independent predictors of mortality. **Conclusion** The MNA-SF appears to be an accurate predictor of one-year mortality in nursing home residents. Thus, this tool may be regarded not only as a nutritional screening tool, but also as an instrument for identifying the most-at-risk individuals in this population

MYOCARDIAL POTENCY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HARUNGANA MADAGASCARIENSIS STEM BARK AGAINST ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE IN RATS

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Harungana madagascariensis on electrocardiographical, biochemical and histopathological changes in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided and treated with the aqueous extract of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark (AEHM, 200 and 400 mg/kg per os), or normal saline or vitamin E for 7 days with concomitant administration of ISO (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on 8th and 9th days, at 24 h interval. Results: The ISO injections to the rats caused cardiac dysfunction evidenced by a marked (P&lt;0.01) elevation in ST-segment, a reduction in R wave amplitude (P&lt;0.01), decrease in endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH), increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, increase of cardiac marker enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT). All these changes in cardiac function as well as GSH, MDA and the enzymes (LDH, AST and ALT) were ameliorated when the rats were pretreated with AEHM. Additionally, the protective effects were strengthened by improved histopathological changes, which specify the protection of cardiomyocytes from the deleterious effects of ISO. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the cardioprotective effect of Harungana madagascariensis on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. The mechanism might be associated with the enhancement of antioxidant defense, reduction of lipid peroxydation and it is confirmed by amending electrocardiographic pattern, improvement of cardiac markers and less histopathological damages following ISO-induced myocardial infarction. It could provide experimental evidence to support the use of Harungana madagascariensis used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular disorders. Peer Review History: Received &nbsp;9 February 2018; &nbsp;&nbsp;Revised 22 February; Accepted 28 February, Available online 15 March 2018 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Mohamed Said Fathy Al-Refaey, University of Sadat City, Menofia, Egypt, [email protected] Dr. Mohamed Salama, Modern University for Technology &amp; Information, Egypt, [email protected] Similar Articles: ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF VITEX THYRSIFLORA LEAVES ON DIABETIC RATS STUDY ON FRESH LEAF AQUEOUS EXTR STUDY ON FRESH LEAF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF FLACOURTIA INDICA FOR HEPATOPROTECTIVE, ANTI-ANEMIC AND HYPOGLYCEMIC ABILITIES IN CCL4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RAT

A self-reported screening tool for detecting community-dwelling older persons with frailty syndrome in the absence of mobility disability : the FiND questionnaire

BACKGROUND: The "frailty syndrome" (a geriatric multidimensional condition characterized by decreased reserve and diminished resistance to stressors) represents a promising target of preventive interventions against disability in elders. Available screening tools for the identification of frailty in the absence of disability present major limitations. In particular, they have to be administered by a trained assessor, require special equipment, and/or do not discriminate between frail and disabled individuals. Aim of this study is to verify the agreement of a novel self-reported questionnaire (the "Frail Non-Disabled" [FiND] instrument) designed for detecting non-mobility disabled frail older persons with results from reference tools. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data are from 45 community-dwelling individuals aged 6560 years. Participants were asked to complete the FiND questionnaire separately exploring the frailty and disability domains. Then, a blinded assessor objectively measured the frailty status (using the phenotype proposed by Fried and colleagues) and mobility disability (using the 400-meter walk test). Cohen's kappa coefficients were calculated to determine the agreement between the FiND questionnaire with the reference instruments. Mean age of participants (women 62.2%) was 72.5 (standard deviation 8.2) years. Seven (15.6%) participants presented mobility disability as being unable to complete the 400-meter walk test. According to the frailty phenotype criteria, 25 (55.6%) participants were pre-frail or frail, and 13 (28.9%) were robust. Overall, a substantial agreement of the instrument with the reference tools (kappa\u200a=\u200a0.748, quadratic weighted kappa\u200a=\u200a0.836, both p values<0.001) was reported with only 7 (15.6%) participants incorrectly categorized. The agreement between results of the FiND disability domain and the 400-meter walk test was excellent (kappa\u200a=\u200a0.920, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The FiND questionnaire presents a very good capacity to correctly identify frail older persons without mobility disability living in the community. This screening tool may represent an opportunity for diffusing awareness about frailty and disability and supporting specific preventive campaigns

Cytoprotective Efficacy and Mechanisms of the Liposoluble Iron Chelator 2,2Ј-Dipyridyl in the Rat Photothrombotic Ischemic Stroke Model

ABSTRACT We examined the efficacy of the liposoluble iron chelator 2,2Ј-dipyridyl (DP) in reducing histological damage in rats submitted to cerebral ischemia and the mechanisms involved in the potential cytoprotection. For this purpose, DP (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 15 min before and 1 h after induction of cortical photothrombotic vascular occlusion in rat. Histological studies were performed to assess infarct volume (at days 1 and 3 postischemia) and astromicroglial activation (at day 3 postischemia). Damage to endothelial and neuronal cells was evaluated at day 1 postischemia by quantitative measurements of Evans Blue extravasation and N-acetylaspartate levels, respectively. Cerebral blood flow was recorded in the ischemic core by laser-Doppler flowmetry within the 15 min to 2 h period after photothrombosis. At 4-h postischemia, radical oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by measuring brain glutathione concentrations. The cortical expression of the proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1␣ (HIF-1␣) was analyzed by Western blotting at day 1 postischemia. Infarct volume and ischemic damage to endothelial and neuronal cells were significantly reduced by DP treatment. This cytoprotection was associated with a reduction in ROS production, perfusion deficits, and astrocytic activation. DP treatment also resulted in significant changes in HO-1 (ϩ100%) and HIF-1␣ (Ϫ50%) protein expression at the level of the ischemic core. These results report the efficacy of the liposoluble iron chelator DP in reducing histological damage induced by permanent focal ischemia